Tom and Laura, visiting public‑artists from Seattle contracted to develop public-art concepts for Laramie’s Third Street corridor, presented their design approach for gateway artworks and showed examples of site-responsive, light-activated sculptures.

Laura said the artists’ practice is “place making through large scale iconic artworks that often become identifiers for the places where they’re located,” describing projects that use lighting, reflective materials and community engagement so pieces respond to local environment and history. She reviewed recent installations — including a large pet-tag sculpture used at an animal shelter and a tall river‑beacon sculpture that maps water depth using illuminated discs and etched base elements — to illustrate how materials and story can be layered into a gateway marker.

Tom and Laura described phase 1 research and stakeholder meetings they conducted during their visit and said they are targeting two gateway locations on Third Street (near Sheridan/Clark and near Grant/Montessori) and plan to return with conceptual designs. Todd Feaster (city staff) told council the artists had spent the last several days meeting with stakeholders, the planning commission and arts groups and that staff will work on site access, property easements and potential contract amendments. Feaster said the initial art budget (about $285,000) may need to be expanded and that the city could pursue additional funds.

Councilors and members of the public suggested local narratives and partners to inform the themes, including indigenous and tribal histories, the Wyoming toad, labor and railroad history, aquifer and water‑protection stories, rodeo and sporting events, and a goal of representing “a sense of belonging.” Several councilors emphasized working with local fabricators and the Laramie Public Art Coalition; the artists said they commonly collaborate with local fabricators and plan to identify local partners and return in winter with concept sketches for feedback.

What’s next: Staff said the artists will consolidate research into a document for council review and return with conceptual ideas before April; staff also said they will pursue additional funding and potential contract amendments and requested council assistance to secure private property access where needed.